A Frightening New Invasive Species Is Threatening The Everglades

We know about pythons in the Everglades, but now there is a frightening new invasive species that is threatening the ecosystem here in South Florda.

Ever since I was a kid I've been scared to death of snakes. As I've gotten older that fear hasn't gotten any better. I knew when I moved to Fort Myers that my chances of seeing a snake in the wild would be higher than when I lived in Illinois, and thankfully I've only seen a few. All in Estero actually at Koreshan State Park and another couple at my office. They were relatively small, but that doesn't mean my heart didn't skip a beat.

We know that pythons have been threatening the Everglades for years. They're such a problem that every year there's the annual "Python Challenge" to help take as many out during a specific time frame as possible. In fact, it just wrapped up with huge success. Props to those to head out to hunt, because lord knows I wouldn't even get close.

The Green Anaconda is one of the world's largest snakes. They can reach lengths of up to 20 feet and weigh several hundred pounds. And now they've made their way into the Everglades as well. NBC2 reports that there have been sightings since 2000, but they're continuing to be seen more regularly. Much like a lot of invasive species, it's believed that Green Anacondas found in the Everglades began as pets whose owners released them into the wild.

With the population growing steadily, it has biologist and conservationists concerned.  The introduction of the Green Anaconda into the Everglades is a serious concern for the native wildlife. Being top predators, anacondas have no natural predators in this new environment and primarily feed on aquatic animals such as fish, birds, turtles and mammals.

If you plan on heading out to explore the Glades, just another thing to keep an eye out for!

I know what you're thinking.  Why on earth would anyone need to know what dangerous animals are in the Florida Everglades?  Surely, no one is looking to go swimming in a swamp.  Wrong!

People are actually searching "Is it safe to swim in the Florida Everglades?"  I actually laughed when I saw the Google response, ABSOLUTELY NOT!  🤣 Now you see why I thought there might be a need to let people know what creatures might be lurking around them.  That is should they choose to refuse the advice from Google and take a plunge anyway.

We all know about the typical swamp creatures, like alligators and snakes.  We see them every single time we drive across Alligator Alley to the east coast.  This is Florida after all, so those come at no surprise.   But what other types of vicious creatures are underneath all of that brown water and muck?  Or perhaps taking a stroll on the waters edge?

If you've been on one of those super fun airboat tours out in the Everglades, some of these animal names might have been mentioned.  Heck!  You may have even seen some of these dangerous critters on your tour.

Let's take a look at 9 of the most dangerous animals in the Florida Everglades.   Some of these animals are also included on this list, Florida Endangered Species List Is Now Up To 39 Species.

If these don't scare you, you might be interested in hunting them.  Read here about how much python hunters get paid.

The American alligator can be seen in massive numbers.  You'll see at least 5-10 sunbathing on any given day, as you drive across Alligator Alley.

This snake is the one most venomous snakes in the state, and actually in the world.  It is also known as the largest rattlesnake.

The Florida Panther is a beautiful creature and is on the endangered species list.  As you'll see below, they stalk.  These creatures are not seen too often.

A brown recluse spider is most common in warmer climates.  It is one of the most poisonous spiders in the Everglades.

Yes, crocodile.  American crocodiles are found in Florida.  It's not an alligator.

We see these furry guys walking around neighborhoods in Estero quite often.  With new construction, they're forced out of their habitats.  But, they are not safe to approach.  They will defend themselves.

The cottonmouth can be confused with other water snakes. Take extreme caution.  These snakes are venomous with a mortality rate of 17%.

These snakes are commonly seen being hunted.  Reason is, they're becoming an extremely invasive species across the state.  They are constrictors and are non venomous.

Let's just say this one looks the scariest to me!  I never thought I would be scared of a turtle.  They are much more aggressive on land than they are in the water.